Cricket News sort by Irfan Khan Pathan

Following his success in the ODIs and T20 in Sri Lanka, all-rounder Irfan Pathan – yes we can call him one – has stated that he keen to play the five-day version of the game again.

Contests between India and Sri Lanka have been dominated by the former in recent times. And the just-concluded five-match ODI seriesand one T20 encounter was no different. As India basks in the glory of another triumph over Sri Lanka, we look back at the men who made the difference from India’s point of view.

It was yet another instance of opportunity lost for Sri Lanka, as India completed a successful tour of the island nation during which they lost only one ODI. The latest win was built on the back of two commanding performances, both by players who have been India’s heroes on this tour.

India wrapped up its Sri Lankan tour by crushing the hosts by 39 runs in the One-off T20I at Pallekele. Irfan Pathan took three top order wickets and Ashok Dinda took four wickets in the end to help India bowl out Sri Lanka cheaply for 116 in 18 overs.

Prior to the beginning of the India-Sri Lanka one-day series many critics, including this writer, questioned the selection of left-arm seamer Irfan Pathan as a replacement for the injured R. Vinay Kumar, ahead of Praveen Kumar.

India defeated Sri Lanka by 20 runs in a tight contest at Pallekele to finish the 5-match series 4-1. With this series win, India has now gone up to N0.2 in the ICC ODI ratings just behind Australia.

A brilliant partnership between Suresh Raina and Irfan Pathan helped India pull off a thrilling victory in the third ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

India defeated Sri Lanka by 21 runs in the opening ODI at Hambantota. Irfan Pathan and R Ashwin played a key role for India taking two wickets each and keeping the scoring under a check.

With Vinay Kumar being ruled out of the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, Irfan Pathan has been once again drafted into the Indian side as a replacement. And while Kumar’s injury gives Pathan another opportunity to prove his credentials all over again, this could well be his do-or-die series.